Good news - ‘no repeat’ of 2016 Halloween hooligan chaos.

Bad news - new low with acid attacks and killing.

MAG has praised the law enforcement agencies and local authorities for a concerted effort which prevented a repeat of last year’s ugly scenes around the country, when lawless yobs invaded the streets of a number of towns and cities in a deliberate attempt to cause disorder. Selina Lavender, the Chair of MAG, has expressed her satisfaction at the progress: “We were determined to prevent a second round of thuggery on two wheels this year, after the mayhem which was so widely

reported in 2016. I’m glad to say that the collective effort, including the police, local authorities and other groups such as We Ride London, the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Community, a very active Facebook group in Birmingham and, of course, MAG, have provided intelligence and collective will to the momentum against these criminals. There was a bit of trouble in Romford at the weekend; however, apart from that, the main activities were children trick-or-treating with their parents and others just having a good time.” Selina attributes the success to planning and communication: “There were a number of arrests before Halloween, with many more potentially being charged. No doubt this had a positive effect, stopping these yobs from thinking they can do what they want in our streets. MAG has communicated with police forces and Councils in all the areas that were most affected in 2016. The law enforcement agencies are the ones that have done the real work on the ground and should be praised for this. I think we’ve learned a lot about what works and it’s also been a good relationship-building process. I want to thank our activists for being so proactive and working with the authorities so effectively. Theft and bike-jackings continue to be a major worry for riders. As far as Halloween goes, the fact that there was no repeat of the anarchy we saw last year is less a matter for celebration than relief.” Those charged with offences will be tried in due course. MAG believes these prosecutions will be a salutary warning to others that their antics will be repaid with penalties through the courts. However, MAG has described the most recent acid attack as a ‘new low in bike crime’ and expressed its frustration at the shocking assault on a rider, potentially leaving him with a visual impairment. MAG has offered its sincere sympathy to the victim of the attack, a delivery moped rider named Muhammed Nawshad Kamal, who was assaulted by thugs attempting to steal his moped in the Walthamstow area of London. MAG’s London Regional Representative Tim Fawthrop said “There’s not much to say which helps in this situation, except that a shudder went through the riding community when news of this attack became known. We’re already working with local authorities and the police to reduce bike crime, but our efforts have come too late for Mr Kamal and that grieves me as a rider and us as a movement.” MAG’s National Chair, Selina Lavender, adds “After the relative success of preventing mass lawbreaking at Halloween, this incident dampens the mood and leaves me feeling exasperated that such criminal, lawless behaviour still exposes riders to continual danger. We’re drawing up a plan of action which we intend to share with relevant groups later in November, and with the next Home Office anti-bike crime meeting shortly after that. If ever there was a dreadful example of the constant peril bikers have to put up with, the attack on Mr Kamal is it.” MAG understands that the police have arrested two teenagers for this attack and that acid was thrown at the victim more than once. While there are options regarding the penalty, it is worth noting that there have been calls for involving the parents or guardians. It has also been pointed out that compensation is a factor, given the potentially permanent effect this attack will have on the rest of the victim’s life.

There is provision in law to hold people for very long periods if their crimes are serious enough and courts can commit people of any age to detention at Her Majesty’s pleasure, potentially indefinitely. In separate incidents, a man in Merseyside was fatally stabbed by a number of criminals who used scrambler bikes for the assault, and reports are coming in regarding yet another acid attack. These appalling crimes underline the national nature of this epidemic. MAG is investigating the situation and has previously engaged with police on these matters.

This Month – Blackpool MAG’s Halloween & Bonfire Party 4th November

It was another great party for Blackpool MAG this month, and all in aid of raising funds for the MAG Fighting Fund. There was a brilliant atmosphere, superb band and a bonfire that burned until dawn ( despite the efforts of the fire brigade!). A big thanks to all who were there on the night.

This Month – Motorcycle Live 2017 at the NEC 18th – 26th November

It’s time again for the annual Motorcycle Show down at the NEC in Birmingham (jeez, that came round fast!) Once again, MAG will be there in force to spread the good word and encourage the fight for riders’ rights. The stand is manned (personned?) by volunteers from all over the UK, each putting in a day or two. So, if you’re planning on a trip down make sure to drop by and say hello - you’ll be guaranteed a friendly welcome.

Visiting the Isle of Man? Make sure you’re covered!

Thinking of heading over to the TT next year? Then make sure that you’ve got some travel insurance. The Isle of Man and the UK have a reciprocal agreement whereby UK residents visiting the island will receive free emergency healthcare. But although this treatment is free, admission to a ward is not, which could cost you £41,000. Subsequent repatriation (return travel to your home country) has never been included as part of the agreement. Because of this, all UK residents who travel to the Isle of Man are advised that they have adequate insurance in place in the event of repatriation being required,

as this can be a considerable expense ranging from the cost of a ferry ticket to the hire of a private Air Ambulance, which can cost as much as £20,000. This also applies to Isle of Man residents visiting the mainland – emergency treatment is free but the rest is not. Furthermore, the Isle of Man only has a reciprocal health agreement with the UK and no other countries so those travelling to the Island from outside of the UK will need to make arrangements for all healthcare cover. If you require medical treatment or repatriation and are uninsured, the Isle of Man Government won’t help and you can expect to have to pay the full cost of treatment and travel home yourself. Don’t think that you can rely on your “EHIC card” either (European Health Insurance Card - formerly Form E111) The Isle of Man is not part of the European Union or the European Economic Area, which is where the EHIC scheme operates so all EU/EEA residents will require appropriate insurance when travelling to the island. This is worth bearing in mind if you plan on hurtling around the TT course next summer. Travel insurance is usually pretty cheap for short stays so don’t take the risk of not having it!

“Hacked” cars could cause crashes

MP’s have been warned that hackers who remotely access the controls of driverless cars would have the ability to cause pile-ups on motorways. Because driverless cars will be wirelessly connected to each other, criminals who hacked the systems of one car could potentially gain access to the controls of others. “There is a real risk of this happening and this is a real target due to the connected nature of these vehicles,” said Mark Channon, an expert in motor

insurance at Exeter University, who was giving evidence to parliament on the Automated and Electric Vehicles Bill. Other experts have warned of the risk that the cars could be hacked by terrorists to drive into pedestrians or other vehicles. The motor industry has emphasised that cyber security is a priority after researchers demonstrated two years ago how they could remotely take control of a moving Jeep Cherokee to disable its transmission and brakes. Chrysler, the car’s manufacturer, has since fixed the vulnerability but some technology experts believe that cars from all makers remain vulnerable and the risk will increase as more cars are fitted with autonomous and semi-autonomous systems. Chris Grayling, the transport secretary, said last week that fully autonomous cars would be on Britain’s roads by 2021, several years ahead of previous forecasts. Experts believe that the cars will reduce the number of accidents and make roads safer. However, one concern for MAG is whether this could lead to dedicated autonomous car lanes, causing even further road space limitations for motorbikes.

North West Motorcycle Alliance

This is not a MAG organisation but a monthly meet for all bike clubs, organisations and interested bikers anywhere from Cheshire up to Lancaster. The next meeting is hosted by Hells Belles WMC at the The Cauldron, Globe Industrial Estate, Darbyshire St, Radcliffe, M26 2TA at 8pm on Wednesday 22nd November. Please check the NW Alliance website for any last minutes changes to venue/dates– they do happen! Here is the latest, up to date list of biker events this autumn which the Alliance has put together, which includes a few changes from the previous month. 6. Regular monthly events HAMC Liverpool Open night 3rd Saturday of month, open 7.30 ‘til late HAMC Manchester Open night last Saturday of month, open 7.30 ‘til late Black Diamonds open night every Friday at the clubhouse in Hindley Allegiance MC Open Night first Saturday of month at the clubhouse Aintree Red Rose MAG - meet every 1st&3rd Wednesday, Petre Arms, Langho nr Blackburn – at Dog Inn, Whalley at moment Ecclestone Delph Bike Meet every Tuesday until end of season, café open till 9pm – ended for this year MT Heads Meet – Flying Horse Rochdale 8pm every Monday, donations to “Hounds for Heroes” Road Reapers MCC - meet 1st Sunday 1pm & 2nd Wednesday at 7.30 at the Ellsmere Rd Rec Club, Bolton Brotherhood Quest Bike Nite – every Monday (except last in month) 7-9pm Anchor pub, Liverpool Rd, Hutton PR4 5SL

Bury the Hatchett MCC - meet at the Two Tubs pub Bury at 7.30 last Thursday of month Ronin MCC - meet every Thursday at the Greyhound pub, 44 Leigh Rd, Worsley M2 1LR - open night every 3rd Thursday Hell’s Belles WMC Open Night last Monday of month at clubhouse Radcliffe – Everyone welcome - The Cauldron, Globe Industrial Estate, Darbyshire St, Radcliffe, M26 2TA Cogheads MCC meet every Thursday (except 1st) at 8pm, Forts Arms, Clayton–le-Moors Road Slayers Brotherhood meet every 2nd Friday at Rock Hotel pub, Peel Green Rd, Barton M30 7AY Accrington MCC meet at Poplar Club, Wellington St. Accrington every other Sunday at 8pm. Chorley Wildhartz MCC – meet first Thursday of month at Seaview Inn, Preston Rd, Chorley British Bulldogs MCC – every Wednesday at the Balcarres Arms, Wigan WN2 1PA Spartan MCC meet every Thursday at Railway Linnet pub Middleton, M24 1GQ 7. Known upcoming events – 25th November - Cogheads Frightmare Before Christmas Poplar Club, Wellington St, Accrington 25th November - Ronin MCC Rock Night - Greyhound pub, 44 Leigh Rd, Worsley M2 1LR 9th December - Avernus MCC Anti-Christmas Party at the Red Herring pub Coppull PR7 5BW 16th March 2018 - Road Reaper’s St. Patrick’s Rock Night, Ellesmere Club, Bolton 28th April 2018 – Red Rose MAG 2nd St.George’s Rock Knight, Whittingham & Goosnargh Social Club 23rd June – Pop Club (with Accrington MCC & B.A.D. MCC) Childrens’ Cancer Fundraiser 28-29th June 2018 - HAMC Manchester Rally

As ever, if you would like to have your say on anything vaguely MAG-related, or sell something bike related, just drop me a line at billgreen@madasafish.com and I’ll put it into the newsletter next month. Bill NW Political Rep